Research Areas
Research Areas
Genetic Research
Our goal is to understand how genetic variation relates to human health and disease and genetics underlies almost all research at the DTR. We have collected genetic information on over 6,000 twins (both monozygotic and dizygotic) using both state of the art genotyping (Illumina platform) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) techniques.
We have collaborated with international research groups to identify genes causing the most common, and sometimes lethal, conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, fractures, and osteoarthritis.
Ageing
The longitudinal nature of TwinsUK makes it an ideal cohort in which to study the process of ageing. Our ageing research includes normal brain ageing, investigating the genetic and environmental determinants of cognitive decline, and age-related cardiovascular changes such as hypertension. We have also investigated diet and how fast we age by studying telomeres, which are markers of our biological clock.
Nutrition
At the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London, we investigate how diet, genes, the microbiome, and lifestyle shape long-term health. Drawing on the unique TwinsUK cohort, we combine twin comparisons with deep phenotyping and multi-omic data (including genomics, metabolomics, and microbiome sequencing) to disentangle complex relationships between diet and health. Our nutrition research includes running randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to test the effects of dietary interventions on health, helping us understand how specific nutrients, foods and dietary patterns impact human biology as well as exploring different metabolomics datasets for metabolic markers of dietary exposures. By integrating observational data with interventional studies, we’re building an evidence base to inform real-world nutrition strategies that support healthy ageing and disease prevention.
Omics

COVID-19
CARICE
To address the dual challenge of climate change and ageing populations, Prof Claire Steves, Head of Department together with researchers from across the university has set up the new King’s Centre for Ageing Resilience in a Changing environment (CARICE). The Centre works to understand the mechanisms that enable individuals to maintain health and full function, bringing together scientists and clinicians. It also provides a research environment to support early career researchers in this field. Check out the highlights from the CARICE Science and Networking Conference March 2025 here.
Learn More About CARICE
UK LLC
At TwinsUK, our research spans a diverse range of themes, all aimed at understanding the factors that influence human health and ageing. From exploring the role of genetics and omics in disease, to studying the microbiome, nutrition, and resilience in ageing, our work provides valuable insights into how we can improve health outcomes. We also contribute to large-scale initiatives such as the UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (UK LLC) and play a key role in COVID-19 research. Each of these themes builds on over 30 years of data from our dedicated twin volunteers.
